Interstitial cystitis and the painful bladder: A brief history of nomenclature, definitions and criteria

Practically every author writing on this subject has suggested a new name which only adds to the confusion and multiplication (Kretschmer H, 1922). Despite multiple names and many definitions and classifications over the past two centuries, the medical world is no closer to discovering the cause or causes of this enigmatic bladder disorder, currently known as interstitial cystitis, bladder pain syndrome or painful bladder syndrome and hypersensitive bladder. International consensus on nomenclature, definitions and diagnosis is now essential to ensure that studies are carried out on the same basis, thereby generating meaningful data that can be relied on for further use. In our electronic age, multiple names and definitions cause confusion for researchers, clinicians and patients, even leading to the patient's diagnosis being unrecognized by authorities, resulting in refusal to reimburse treatment or provide social benefits. As the key to the puzzle lies in the patients, with all their symptoms and comorbidities, and as patients are directly affected by changes in nomenclature and definitions, patient organization representatives should be given every opportunity to participate in discussions on guidelines, taxonomy, definitions and terminology.